Diagnostic Software and Q45a suspension

[bgerner12]

Anyone using diagnostic software that has the ability to actuate/cycle/testthe active suspension system? If yes, please let me know what softwareand hardware you are using.

Thanks!

[Q45tech]

The Nissan Consult I & II have special memory cards that slip in to load the special diagnostic software for active system just like a more modern NAT card that programs locks and security entrance software. Dealer only item.The rub is getting a dealer to allow you to copy their specialty memory cards. New Consults cost over $6,000Many times you can find them used for half price:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...A1171

[Infinitiguy19]

Anyone using diagnostic software that has the ability to actuate/cycle/testthe active suspension system? If yes, please let me know what softwareand hardware you are using.

Thanks!

There is a Laptop Consult avalible from many companies, one is Blazt.Biz and acording to Mike (Goody94Q45) they are one of the best.

But the problem with that is that there is no software avalible for the laptop version consult, Or at least no one has written any software yet.

So like Dennis said I would try the dealer because I doubt any 300ZX or other nissan Speciatly shops would have one.

[bgerner12]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll see if I can find a used Nissan consult system. Taking any car to thedealer is a last resort for me.

[bgerner12]

Hi Paul,

You know any Infiniti dealers in our area that you might trust to rundiagnostics on a Q45a suspension? Any experience/guestimates asto what they might charge?

-Bill

[Infinitiguy19]

There are not many that are qualified to work on a Q45, let alone a Active Q45.

Go to your local dealers and ask for the Senior Infiniti Technician, Then ask him how long he has been working on Q45's and every when he works on them.

A senior Infiniti Technician is someone who has hopefully been trained to work on a Q45 in 1989.

If all else fails bring the service manual to who ever has a Nissan Consult, Or ask if you can use the Nissan Consult to diagnose the Active Suspension.

What is wrong with the active suspension?

Have you run the Diagnostic procedure to find if you have any codes?

[bgerner12]

I have the classic case of "won't go into diagnostic mode". Trying todetermine why. I've read the recommendations for this scenario and Ineed to try a few things but I'm not optimistic. The battery and chargingsystem are good, as is the N/H switch. If the computer is as sensitive toinput voltage as some say, it's a poor design to begin with, IMHO.

[maxnix]

Any electronic component is designed to work within a specified power configuration zone.

[bgerner12]

True, but most are designed to allow a reasonably wide range of inputvoltage. For example, the ECU seems quite reliable at voltages that aresaid to be a problem for the actsus computer. If there is sufficient powerto crank/start the engine, there should be enough to power any computerin the car.

My gut-feel is that the actsus computer saw an error condition and putitself into fail-safe mode and the only way out of that is either with theNissan cunsult or a computer swap. I'm doing my best to prove myselfwrong, however! I'll let people know what I learn.

[lino]

You can call Keith (member texasoil) and see what he says. He is the Active specialist and is super friendly.

Contact info:http://www.activesuspensionsystems.com/info.html

http://www.q45asuspension.com/

[bgerner12]

Hi Lino,

I've been working with Keith on this. I recently put nine of his rechargedaccumulators in my car. The active suspension worked for a couple of daysthen shut itself off.

Advice to-date is that diagnostics need to work before any progress canbe made. Suggested causes for diagnostics to fail are primarily a bad N/Hswitch or voltage issues at the computer. At this point, the only thing Ihaven't done is measured the voltage at the computer connector, which Ihope to get to this afternoon.

[Infinitiguy19]

Do these three things:

Test the switch according to the FSM.

Erase any codes in the Active suspesnion computer.

Test the Active suspesnion computer to see if it works.

if you don't get any results from that then take it to the dealer right before they close in the middle of the week. Ask for the Senior Infiniti Tech. And tell him you have a problem could he just hook up the consult for just a minute and see if it see's the Active computer.

Tip: bring your girl with you and make sure she gets some attention...

[bgerner12]

All indications are that the actsus computer is the problem. Power and height switch inputs to itare good. I looked up the datasheet for the processors used in it and tried doing a hard reset(pull pin 21 low) and that had no effect.

I may tinker with the computer some more while I look for a replacement. If anyone knowswhere I could get a good, used computer from a 95 or 94, please let me know.

[goody90q45]

What's the part number? 91-93 (52700-64U00) may be the same.

[bgerner12]

I'd have to check the p/n when I get home but from what I've read, there was an upgradeto the module and/or firmware in 94 so I wouldn't want one older than that.

[lino]

The part numbers are:

CONTROL UNIT - HYPOID SYSPENSION

52710-64U00Prod.M/Y: 07/90 - 02/93

52710-67U00Prod.M/Y: 02/93 - 07/95

[texasoil]

I have just read this forum, and have NOT been involved thus far in resolving the computer issue. I DO have a few known good active system computers in stock, reserved for accumulator customers

[maxnix]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll see if I can find a used Nissan consult system. Taking any car to thedealer is a last resort for me.

You will also need the specialized card for the Infiniti active suspension.

[bgerner12]

Hi Keith,

You haven't been involved through this forum but we have been discussing this through myregular email address. The last time you wrote to me there was 7/02. If you keep your emailsyou should be able to find me by searching for "gerner".

Please send me a quote on a computer!

Regards,

-Bill

[bgerner12]

Hi Maxnix,

At this point, I don't expect to find a consult system at an acceptable price, though I'llprobably continue to search once in a while. I expect that finding the active suspensionmodule will be even harder. I may need to try to make friends with some Infinitimechanics!

[bgerner12]

Thanks, lino!

This saves me from pulling my controller back out of the car!

[Q45tech]

As one learns in electronic testing and repair the test equipment often costs MORE than what one uses it on to test.

[bgerner12]

I'm still looking for a good controller! If anyone can point me to one,please let me know!

[bgerner12]

In case anyone is still following this thread, my problems have been solvedwith a replacement controller from a local junk yard ($50). It was the onlyQ45 in the lot, just happened to be a Q45a and to have a good controller.I should probably go buy a lottery ticket. Thanks to PaulWall for pointing meto this jukyard and to everyone else for their help.

Maybe I'll take some photos tomorrow and try to post them.

[lino]

Paul is awesome isn't he . I'm real happy to hear that you resolved your problem and for only $50! I'd love to see pics .

[bgerner12]

Yup! I owe Paul big time for that one!

I've tried to attach some pictures. Note that the CA plates have now beenreplaced with MA.